Video: Afolabi criticises Dangote’s stance on unionisation

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Olawale Afolabi, has strongly criticised Aliko Dangote for not allowing workers at his petroleum refinery to join the union.

Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16e54oKnt5/

Afolabi described this action as an “affront to the Nigerian constitution,” arguing that it denies workers their right to representation and voice.

In an interview on Arise Television, Afolabi underscored the importance of unionisation for protecting workers’ interests, welfare, and living conditions.

He accused Dangote of attempting to form his own union, which he believes is a strategy to suppress workers’ rights.

Afolabi also highlighted the role of tanker drivers, who he said travel night and day to serve the nation, yet are at risk of being discarded without representation.

He said, “Nigerians have been enjoying regular supply of petroleum products, so it’s our duty to serve Nigerians, and we’ve been doing it for years, but suddenly somebody came around and said he doesn’t want these members to be unionized.

“Union is to protect the workers, their interests, their welfare, their living conditions. He doesn’t want the union there. He wants to form his own union.

“They don’t want the workers to have any voice or representation while serving. Tanker drivers travel night and day to serve, and suddenly they are being discarded.”